Carpet stretcher



June 24, 1930. b, BARTLQW 1,766,423

CARPET STRETCHER Filed Feb. 17, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l s a I I I :k v In'venitnr Q N g TfurZ z u 238727010 v Attbrngy June 24, 1930.

.J.} D. BARTLOW CARPET STRETOHER Filed ,-1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Iu'venmr"12mm ave- 5w y Amm Patented June 24, 1930 JUSTIN n. BAnTLow, or Lone}BEACH} CALIFORNIA orrlcs CARPET STBETCHER I Application filed February17, 1928. a Serial. No. 254,974.

This invention relates to an improved carpet stretcher, and has moreparticular reference to one which is characterized by a plurality ofadjustable elements with novel carpet engaging means, at the endsthereof.

The novelty of the invention is predicated upon the structural detailsand their relative arrangement and association. These will become morereadily apparent from the detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings.

In the drawings s Figure l is a side elevation of a complete carpetstretcher constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a view on an enlarged scale showing the operating lever swungdown to adjust the toothed block.

Fig. 4 is a section taken approximately upon the plane of the line 41- 1of Fig. 3, with the supporting rollers in folded position.

Fig. 5 is a view like Fig. 4, showing the rollers disposed in elevatingposition.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view taken approximately upon the plane of theline 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view on a re duced scale showing the tubestele'scoped together.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross section taken approximately upon the planeof the line 9-9 of Fig. 8.

In carrying out the invention, I provide an i extensible tube memberincluding a series of telescopically connected apertured tubes 10, 11,12 and 13 respectively. Each tube is provided with a latch 14: pivotallymounted and carrying a detent pin 15 (see Fig. 9) which is receivable inthe appropriate apertures to hold the tube sections in adjusted ortelescoped position, as the case may be.

The outer tubes 10 and 13 are equipped with special supporting heads.The head 16 at the left, carried by the tube section 10, comprises thedetails illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. Referring to these figures, itwill be observed that they embody a vertical block 17 having acorrugated rubber pad or faclng 18, which is adapted to be placed incontact with the wall board. On the inner side of the block, we findplates 19 and 20 provided with outstanding parallel flanges 21, betweenwhich the tube 10 is pivoted as at 22.

Incidentally, I provide coiled springs 23,

which are fastened at their inner ends to the adjacent tube and areanchored at their outer ends upon the block between the flanges tonormally maintain the block at substantial right angles to the tubes.Attention is also invited to. the small'rollers 24 which are adapted tocontact with and roll freely upon the carpet or rug as the case may be.

Considering now the head 25, at the opposite end of the structure whichis carried by the tube 13, it will be observed that this com if prises ahorizontal wooden block or the like 26, provided at its bottom withoutwardly inclined teeth 27, adapted to be embedded in the carpet. Ashort sleeve 28 is fastened as at 29 to this block and fits slidablyupon the tube section 13. Spaced parallel plates 30 are pivoted at 31 tothe sleeve and are connected with an operating lever 32 which overliesthe tube section 13. r I

Links 33, are pivoted to the plates 30 and also pivoted to a collar 34which is adjustably mountedon the tube sections 13. Obviously then,whenthe lever is raised or lowered, the sleeve 28 is slid in or out toadjust the posi; tion of the tooth carrying block 26.

At this time, attention is directed to Figs. 1 and 5.

Referring to these figures, it will be observed that the numeral 35designates a pair of brackets pivoted at 3 to the block an constructedto carry rollers 37. Toggle links 38 and 39 are pivotally connected.with respect to the brackets and are in turn pivotally the positionshown in Fig. 4. I

Springs 41 are provided to aid the operation of the links. Obviously,the links serve to raise and lower the supporting rollers, whereby topermit the teeth to be effectively embedded in the carpet, or to permitthe teeth ,to be raised from contact with the carpet,

and to permit the device to be easily shifted from place to place acrossthe floor.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that one feature of construction isthe extensible tube member which is composed of individualtelescopically connected tubes carrying pivoted latches, and equippedwith openings to permit the latches to be arranged for retaining thetubes in diflerent adjusted position. This permits the device to beregulated to accommodate the rug or carpet at hand.

Of course, it is not the common practice to nail rugs. However, in someinstances, rugs are nailed to prevent slipping. It is obvious therefore,that the device is more particularly adapted for use in association withcarpets which are stretched taut before fas'tening or nailing as thecase maybe.

A second feature of construction is the wall board engaging head at theleft hand end of the device which is equipped with a rubber buffer, toprevent marring of the WOOClWOik and to guard against accidentalslipping.

A further feature and resultant advantage is based upon the presence ofthe rollers, which permit easy transportation of the device.

Another advantage is gained by making 'the device of telescoping tubes,permitting them to be telescoped into the compact relationship shown inFig. 8, to aid in carrying and to facilitate storage.

Furthermore, the novel lever adjusting clevice for the especiallyconstructed head at the right, is important, particularly so, becauseit-embodies a toothed block and rollers and'hoisting means,such aspermit the rollers to be'ea'sily brought into play for the purposedescribed.

It is thought that by considering the description in connection with thedrawings,-a clear understanding of the invention will be had. Thereforea more lengthy description is thought unnecessary.

Minor "changes in shape, size, and rearrangement of parts, coming withinthe field of invention claimed, may be resorted to if desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I-clai'm as new is 1. *In astructure of the class described, a *base board abutment, an extensiblemember connected therewith and extending at right angles therefrom,and-carpet engaging means comprising a block, teeth carried by saidblock, a sleeve fastened to said block, and slidable on said member, alever pivotally connected with said sleeve, and links connected withsaid lever and said member, whereby when said lever is moved, saidsleeve 'Will be adjusted on or off of said member to vary the positionof said block.

2. In a structure of the class described, a baseboard abutment, rollerscarried'thereby,

